This presentation at the Research Applications in Information and Library Studies (RAILS) Seminar, 18 June 2013 at RMIT Melbourne, shared preliminary findings from a research study that sought to identify types of evidence that are used (or not used) by Australian special librarians in daily professional practice. It also explored environmental factors and influences associated with using evidence in daily practice.

1. Australian special
librarians using
evidence in daily
practice Alisa Howlett
Supervisor: Zaana Howard

2. “Evidence-based librarianship is an
approach to information science that
promotes the collection, interpretation
and integration of valid, important and
applicable user-reported,
librarian observed, and
research derived evidence....”
Booth (2002)

3. “....The best available evidence,
moderated by user needs and
preferences, is applied to improve
the quality of professional judgments.”
Booth (2002)

4. Research evidence
may be the most
recognisable type of
evidence...
...but it is not the only
type.

5. Similar studies
Thorpe, Partridge & Edwards,
2008
explored experiences of evidence-based
practice by practitioners
Koufogiannakis, 2012
identified types of evidence used by
academic librarians in daily practice

6. •the types of evidence
used by Australian special librarians
when or in what circumstances types of
evidence
most useful or reliable
informing daily practice
I wanted to find out...

7. a qualitative study
reflection entries & semi-structured interviews
a constant comparison method for data analysis
purposive sampling, 5 Australian special librarians
‘map’ themes using existing frameworks
I did this with...

8. Australian special librarians
use a
diverse range of evidence
from spheres of contextual
relevance
Finding one:

9. Individual knowledge and
experience
Colleagues - feedback and input
Colleagues - non-LIS
professionals
Users
- feedback / suggestions
- values
- requests
Process / routine
Files / documentation
Usage statistics
types of evidence in spheres of relevance

10. the organisation directs
the use of evidence
Finding two:

11. evidence “simmers”
before it is used
Finding three:

12. Information Evidence
from
“current awareness” information
to
becoming evidence in a given situation
what happens in between?

13. time / availability
differences in understanding of evidence and
evidence-based practice for LIS between
practitioners and researchers
evidence used for reference services vs
practice
Limitations

14. This research highlights a need
for a more inclusive EBLIP
model that recognises the types
and uses of evidence
...making it reflective of the
LIS professional context

15. thank you
acrystelle@gmail.com
@acrystelle
http://acrystelle.com
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mauriziomontanaro/4716149451/